Spin-dependent transport in cluster-assembled nanostructures: influence of cluster size and matrix material

Abstract

Spin-dependent transport in granular metallic nanostructures has been investigated by means of a thermoelectric measurement. Cobalt clusters of well-defined size (〈n〉=15-600) embedded in copper and silver matrices show magnetic field responses of up to several hundred percent at low temperature. The experimental observations are attributed to spin mixing. The influence of cluster size and matrix are discussed. Copyright EDP Sciences/Società Italiana di Fisica/Springer-Verlag 200772.25.Rb Spin relaxation and scattering, 73.63.-b Electronic transport in nanoscale materials and structures, 72.25.Ba Spin polarized transport in metals, 73.50.Jt Galvanomagnetic and other magnetotransport effects (including thermomagnetic effects),